Before food can be used for energy within the body it must be digested and metabolized into smaller units that can be easily processed. Carbohydrates, fats and protein that comprise food are complex molecules that are metabolized by the B-vitamin group, which consists of eight different vitamers. Vitamers are organic compounds that have different structures but interrelated functions. None of the B-vitamins require vitamin K in order to convert food into energy. Vitamin K is required for the coagulation cascade and blood clotting.
Thiamine
Thiamine, or vitamin B-1, is required by the body to metabolize complex sugars, such as starchy carbohydrates, and amino acids, which are derived from protein. The breakdown of complex sugars yields molecules of glucose, the primary source of energy for the brain. Without glucose and thiamine, the brain rapidly runs out of energy, which leads to fatigue, confusion, irritability and depression, as cited in "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition."
Riboflavin
Riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, is also important for converting food to energy, especially the breakdown of fats and ketones. The catabolism of fats yields smaller fatty acids, which are used to make cholesterol and steroids, but they can also be a secondary source of energy. Both glucose and fatty acids are transported to the mitochondria within cells, where oxidation and energy conversion occurs. The energy is stored in molecules called ATP.
Niacin
Niacin, or vitamin B-3, is a precursor for numerous enzymes that regulate a variety of metabolic reactions in cells. According to "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism," niacin is also required for DNA repair, production of steroidal hormones and gastric juices, which are essential for proper digestion. Without healthy DNA, which is the "blueprint" for all cells, energy metabolism is severely hampered.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, is needed to synthesize coenzyme-A, which is essential for chemical reactions that generate energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Coenzyme-A is also essential for the production of cholesterol, hormones, blood hemoglobin and neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. Cholesterol is more useful in the body than harmful, as it is needed to make cell walls.
Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine, or vitamin B-6, is required for the breakdown of amino acids and glycogen, which is normally stored in the liver and muscles. Because pyridoxine can derive glucose from glycogen (called glucogenesis) and glucose from amino acids (called gluconeogenesis), it is considered the primary energy-producing B-vitamin, according to "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition." Amino acids are a tertiary source of energy and are usually not broken down unless the body is in crisis and has depleted its glucose, glycogen and fatty acid stores.
Cobalamin
Cobalamin, or vitamin B-12, is required to synthesize DNA, maintain the central nervous system and produce red blood cells within bone marrow. B-12 is also needed for the processes of metabolism in every cell in the body, specifically in the production of energy from fats and protein. Because of its widespread and essential roles in cellular metabolism, B-12 is also considered a primary energy-producing B-vitamin.
References
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Metabolism"; Carolyn D. Berdanier; 2009
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- "Vitamins: Fundamental Aspects in Nutrition and Health"; F. Combs; 2008
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